Development of Advanced Thin-Film Microwave Filters

With the pervasive growth of electronic systems in the military, commercial, and public safety marketplaces, there is a growing need for low cost devices with reduced size, weight, and power (SWAP), yet added functionally and superior performance. The development of thin film electronically tunable microwave filters with high performance is critical to these electronic systems. The objective of this project is to continue development of the novel tunable bandpass filter based upon ferroelectric tunable dielectric materials. The filters will show low insertion loss, wide and fast tuning, high power handling capability while requiring low DC bias voltage and consuming little power. In Phase I, nGimat has demonstrated a prototype tunable filter with steep roll-off and moderate tuning. In Phase II, we will further optimize the design, materials properties, and fabrication processes, study control circuits, and address size, reliability and packaging issues. Prototype filters will be delivered to the Navy and industrial (prime military contractors) partners for further testing and evaluation for system compatibility.